Napoli goalkeeper Rafael Cabral is confident he can “come back stronger” as he continues his recuperation from a ligament injury.

The 24 year-old, who also suffered a broken leg earlier in his career, sustained the injury in a UEFA Europa League tie against Swansea City.

Up until that match, Rafael had kept four clean sheets in ten appearances for Napoli and the stopper hopes he can rediscover that level of performance if given the chance next season.

“I’ll come back stronger than before,” he told Corriere dello Sport, as reported by Football Italia. “I feel good – very good in fact.

“I’ve started to train again with a ball. I’m getting there slowly, but I’m getting there.

“I’ll be back on July 10 when we start preseason training.

“God is my strength and my faith has helped me so much. But I’ve done nothing but sweat at the training ground since I was allowed to return.

“I speak with [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis a lot and obviously I’m always having words with [Head Coach Rafael] Benítez, the goalkeeping coaches and the doctors.

“I feel great affection here. I am calm. I know the quality I have.”

With José Manuel Reina returning to owners Liverpool, Rafael - a €5 million signing from Santos - will likely compete with Mariano Andújar, who was signed in a co-ownership deal from Catania in January, for a starting berth.